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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Rocky Mountain Gateway Region
Riverside State Park
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Riverside State Park River view © phil
Looking out the back of our RV at the river--we were with-in 25yds from the river
Riverside State Park © Eileen Carroll
Riverside State Park © Stephenie Kendall
Riverside State Park Foggy morning run © Markus Coberly
The light just came up the hue changed blue as the fog started burning off and made the colors unreal.
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RIVERSIDE STATE PARK
RIVERSIDE STATE PARK
9711 W. Charles Road
Nine Mile Falls, Washington   99026

Reservations: 888-226-7688
Riverside State Park is a 10,000-acre camping park along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers in Eastern Washington. The park supports a wide variety of recreational activities and is rich in history. Freshwater marshes, running rivers and beautiful countryside make up the terrain. Riverside features a 600-acre off-road vehicle riding area for dirt bikes and snowmobiles, as well as 37 miles of hiking along the Centennial Trail and many more miles on other trails. Horseback riding and bicycling are possible in the park, along with all manner of watersport activity. Interpretive programs invite exploration of the region's history. This is a large park with several natural areas abundant with wildlife.

Nine Mile Recreation Area features a boat ramp and two docks. Motorized boating, canoeing and kayaking are permitted on Lake Spokane.

Park hours/updates:

Riverside State Parks is open year round.

Summer: 6:30 to dusk.Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

Camping:Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.Check-out time, 1 p.m.Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Nine Mile Recreation Area is open May 22 through Sept. 15.

The ORV area is open all week, 8 a.m. - dusk through winter. The equestrian area will be open weekends only through November and then will close for the winter starting Dec. 1.
Nature of the Area
Wildlife Mammals Birds Fish & Sea Life? Badgers? Bears? Bobcats? Chipmunks? Coyotes? Deer or Elk? Foxes? Marmots? Marten? Minks? Moose? Muskrats? Otters? Rabbits? Raccoons? Skunks? Squirrels? Weasels? Crows or Ravens? Doves or Pigeons? Ducks? Eagles? Geese? Grouse? Hawks? Herons? Hummingbirds? Jays? Ospreys? Owls? Pheasants? Quail? Turkeys? Woodpeckers? Wrens? Bass? Bluegill? Bullhead? Catfish? Trout

Environmental Features Physical Features Plant Life Special ? Douglas Fir? Ponderosa Pine? Poplar? Poison Ivy

The park contains a protected Indian petroglyphs area.
History of the Area
The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park from 1933 to 1936. The area was a major gathering site for Native American cultures in prehistoric times. The park contains the oldest log structure in Spokane County.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Park Store
Available in the park Available in the area? Boat rentals? Camping? Park store? Pay phone? 1 Horse stable? Fire wood? Auto repair? Airport? Camping? Diesel? Fishing/hunting? Gasoline? Gifts? Golf? Groceries? Hardware? Hospital? Overnight Accommodations? Pay phone? Postal service? Propane? Recreational equipment? White gas? Wood? Swimming

Guided float tours and interpretive and campfire programs are available at the park.

Camping
Riverside has 16 standard campsites, 16 utility hookup sites with electricity and water, one dump station and two restrooms, both with showers. Maximum site length is 45 feet (may have limited availability). The campground is located in the Bowl and Pitcher area. For reservations call (888) CAMPOUT (888) 226-7688. Riverside campsite maps are available.

Nine Mile Recreation Area has three tent sites and 21 RV sites of varying length. Nine Mile Falls campsite maps are available.

Group Accommodations:One group camp has 13 utility hookup sites with electricity and water and two large tent areas that accommodate 30 or 60 people. Fees are based on number of campers. For information call (360) 902-8844. The two group camps are reservable year round by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
Boating
The park has a boat ramp and 60 feet of dock. The Little Spokane River is restricted to kayaks, canoes and rafts. Innertubes are not allowed. The Spokane River is hazardous in places, and should not be run without local knowledge.

A daily permit is available for watercraft launching, vehicle parking and trailer dumping at the park for $5.

Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers, home to Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Bullhead Catfish and Smallmouth Bass. The park also offers ice-fishing during winter months. For fly fishermen, there are designated areas along both rivers where you can cast your line for trout species.



Day Use Area
Riverside State Park: The park offers two kitchen shelters without electricity, plus 10 sheltered and 122 unsheltered picnic tables available first-come first served.

A kitchen shelter with electricity is reservable call (888)CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. This shelter is built of logs and provides a wood stove, sink and eight picnic tables, accommodating a maximum of 50 people.

Nine Mile Recreation Area: The park offers three reservable kitchen shelters with electricity. Two will accommodate 40 people; one will accommodate 20. To reserve call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
Picnicking
Riverside State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables, grills and restrooms. Some areas also provide stunning views of the Spokane River.
Trails
1. Bowl and Pitcher Trail: This 2-mile loop trail offers stunning views of the Spokane River, with a suspension bridge crossing over to an island.

2. Centennial Trail: A paved path that stretches for about 37 miles through Riverside State Park, perfect for biking or walking.

3. Deep Creek Canyon Loop: An approximately 4-mile hike featuring beautiful wildflowers in spring and summer months along with panoramic canyon views.

4. Little Spokane River Natural Area Trails: These trails offer peaceful walks alongside the river where wildlife sightings are common; they vary from easy to moderate difficulty levels spanning around five miles total length.

5. Knothead Loop - Indian Painted Rocks Route: It's a challenging but rewarding route covering nearly ten miles offering scenic vistas overlooking Nine Mile Falls area as well as ancient rock paintings at certain points on this trail.

6. Trail #25 Equestrian Center Loop: As its name suggests it is popular among horse riders though hikers also enjoy this moderately difficult six mile long circuitous track which passes through dense forests providing ample shade during summers.

7. Riverfront Park Pathway System: Though not technically within park boundaries,this network of paths connects downtown spokane directly to riverside state park making it accessible even without cars.

8. High Bridge Disc Golf Course Walking Paths: While primarily designed for disc golfers these pathways provide short leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery ideal for families.

9. Audubon Downriver Neighborhood Nature Walks: Another set of urban nature walkways connecting residential areas near Audobon downriver neighborhood directly into heartland of Riverside state park.
Bicycling
Several biking trails are available, offering varying levels of difficulty for both novice and experienced cyclists.

The Centennial Trail is a paved route suitable for families or casual riders.

For mountain bikers seeking challenges, the Bowl & Pitcher area offers technical terrain with steep inclines and rocky paths.

Cyclists should be aware that some routes intersect with equestrian trails; caution must be exercised to avoid startling horses.

Off-road cycling areas can become muddy during wet weather conditions which may increase risk of accidents.

During winter months, certain sections might not be accessible due to snowfall or icy conditions.

Remember always wear helmets while riding bikes on these tracks as safety precautionary measure against potential injuries.
Nature Programs
The Spokane House Interpretive Center at Nine Mile Falls tells the history of the early fur trade in the area and its effects on the Native American population. The center is open Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. An interpretive trail in Riverside State Park features guide-posts and a self-guiding brochure connecting the Indian Painted Rocks area with the mouth of the Little Spokane River. A kiosk at the site of Seven Mile camp tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps and its role in building the park.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot species such as the American Goldfinch, Bald Eagle and Red-tailed Hawk. The park's diverse habitats attract a variety of birds throughout the year. Birding trails offer opportunities to see waterfowl along Spokane River or songbirds in forested areas. Raptors are often sighted soaring above basalt cliffs while owls inhabit old growth forests.
Area Attractions
Activities Trails Water Activities Other? 1 mi. ADA Hiking Trails? 55 mi. Hiking Trails? 55 mi. Bike Trails? 25 mi. Horse Trails? Boating (freshwater)? Boating (freshwater, non-motorized)? 2 boat ramps (freshwater)? 120 feet of dock (freshwater)? Fishing (freshwater)? Water Skiing (freshwater)? White-water Kayaking? All Terrain Vehicles Permitted? Bird Watching? 3 Fire Circles? Interpretive Activities? Mountain Biking? Museum? Rock Climbing? Wildlife Viewing

All-terrain vehicles are only permitted in off-road vehicle area.

The park provides a 600-acre off-road vehicle area for dirt bikes and snowmobiles and more than 37 miles for bike riding on the Centennial Trail, as well as other bike trails.

An equestrian area features several hundred acres with loop trails and the park offers 40 miles of linear trails for horseback riding.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 23 Park was great. Ranger was not by Jen_W
park review stars; one to five Went to Riverside State park it was Earth Day and I had read the we were not going to need a Discovery pass. As I pulled in I asked the ranger who was working, male bald rude, if we needed a pass. He replied yes in a harsh tone then told me I had to go buy one. I parked, then walked up the pay station and on the bulletin board it was listed as a free day and people came up and told me not to pay because it was free. That was Ranger was rude and a idiot for not knowing his own job. Learn your job
April 1 great by phil
park review stars; one to five
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Area Campgrounds
Ponderosa Falls RV Park
7520 South Thomas Mallen Road
Cheney, WA
Trailer Inns R.V. Park/Spokane
6021 East Fourth Avenue
Spokane, WA
509-535-1811
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located northwest of Spokane, Wash., on the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers in Spokane County.

To Riverside campground: From I-90 take exit 280 (Maple Street) go north across the Spokane River, turn left at the second stop light onto Maxwell. Follow Maxwell, which becomes Pettit Dr., then Downriver Dr. and then becomes N. Aubrey L. White Pkwy at the park entrance. Continue on for two miles downriver to the Bowl & Pitcher day-use area and campground.

To ORV park: From I-90 take exit 280 (Maple St.) go north across the Spokane River. Take a left on Northwest Blvd. Stay on this road until Francis Ave. (Hwy 291) take a left. When the road bends north, it becomes Nine Mile Rd. Take a left on Seven Mile Rd. and follow the signs to the ORV area (approximately two miles).

Riverside State Park headquarters: From I-90 take exit 280 (Maple St), travel north across the Spokane River. Take a left on Northwest Blvd. Stay on this road until Francis Ave. (Hwy 291) take a left. When the road bends north, it becomes Nine Mile Rd. travel for six miles. After going through the town of Nine Mile Falls, take a left at the dam (Charles Rd). The park headquarters is on the left across the dam.

Nine Mile Recreation Area: From I-90, take exit 280 (Maple St.), travel north across the Spokane River. Take a left on Northwest Blvd. Stay on this road until Francis Ave (Hwy 291), take a left. When the road bends north, it becomes Nine Mile Road. Travel for six miles. After going through the town of Nine Mile Falls, take a left at the dam (Charles Road). Continue west on Charles Road for 1.3 miles and turn right (across from the church) into the park entrance.

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Washington State Parks

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